this poem is very nice and truthful and realistic. We know that it is some
what ironical and yet true, that we human is not contented of what we have,
we are longing for more.As the title says "contentment" and the message of
the poem talks about a persons discontentment. JUST READ BEYOND THE LINES
that's my advice for you to understand much.

renaly cadiz from Philippines

Comment 3 of 5, added on November 12th, 2005 at 1:37 PM.

This poem is an excellent example of understatement, commenting on how the
writer would only ask to own a certain number of paintings, but one must be
a landscape, etc. The juvenalian satire in this work is a key effect in
establishing Holmes's criticism of human society.

capote from United States

Comment 2 of 5, added on October 12th, 2005 at 2:22 PM.

A quite refreshing poem! It is very realistic and shows that one does not
need all the nice things in this world to be happy but rather some. I think
this is what most stands out in the poem for me; as Holmes was honest to
his readers and himself. Many have written about happiness and contentment
and have stated that all they need are the bear necessities of this world
to fulfill that.These people are simply lying to themselves as it is human
nature to always want more than that which is sufficient. Holmes has
establish this very well in his poem.

Wallace from United States

Comment 1 of 5, added on October 7th, 2005 at 3:27 AM.

this poem is really soo nice.but a bit complex.neverthless to read it made
me happy.so thank you Oliver Wendell Holmes .

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